This 12-Year Old Didn't Back Down When Simon Cowell Asked Her to Sing Again Without Music AGT

Many adults would break under the pressure Simon Cowell put on 12-year-old Ansley Burns during her America's Got Talent audition, but she took his challenge in stride. The South Carolina native put her vocal chops on display for judges Cowell, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, and Howie Mande but things took an unexpected turn halfway through her rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Think."
"I don't think this backing track was working for you," Cowell said, after stopping her mid-audition. He admitted that the poor track made it hard for him to judge her fairly. "I'm just wondering if we should do a verse and a chorus, maybe a capella?"
The preteen looked momentarily caught off guard by the request, but after a sip of water, she stepped up to the plate. Watch Burns's full performance above to see how she fared without her music.

[LizaBrubacher]

I would have loved to have her in the live shows. Nerves of steel and sweet as ever!

[patrickpowell]

Simon Cowell is the genius that people hate. He made her voice stand out better.

[janquaglia]

Incredible job!!! As a professional singer, I admire her poise under tremendous pressure as much as her voice. My best wishes to you, sweetie! ❤ ❤ ❤

[jaceebaker]

South Carolina is we're it's at y'all!!!!

[ellisc.foleyjr]

Both her and Simon outdid themselves in this one he gave her the better shot at being heard better and she delivered. great video thanks for shairing ECf.

[temporaladvisor]

Hell no! I didn't have this level of confidence at 42, never mind at 12. Amazing!

[DanielMcConvery]

She is just like an angel, and so adorable!

[slgproducoesltd]

Beautiful performance. Amazing. God bless her.

[larsnystrom]

That was tough! But she handled it!
She was very expressive and alive, now baptized in fire.
If she can do this, she can do anything!

[Siskos-pnnd]

Wow. This so hard to do. An a capella on a song built on heavy percussion and bass, not to mention a whole backing orchestra. Simon was right in that the backing track was too loud, but what a disadvantage. I have played for over 60 years and do not have her composure and her stage presence. I wish all the best.

[bigbilltoady]

What a little angel. God be good to her.

[peterf]

Think what you may about Simon but he can bring out the best in ppl... having said that, what a talented, sweet person she is

[sugarbear]

Awe she thought he was saying her singing was bad, it was the music playing behind her…. 😂❤

[Jaujau]

Wonderful kid, awesome personality 👏👏👏

[sebastianmuller]

She was fantastic, the voice had some Jackson 5 vibes too.

[mightyquinnproductions]

What a performance should be so proud a star.

[PatriciaStebbins]

She is awesome, keep it up sweetheart

[peggyburnham]

From the first time I watched this video, I knew my brother was eternally saved❤I've never had a moment of such joy, happiness or peace knowing he would someday be with the father-I just never thought it would be this soon! Right now, my heart it filled with sadness, and I'm broken💔 I am proud beyond the words to know you are with our creator/our heavenly father and am so happy for you. I will miss you till the day we're together again. Amen

[stephenbanks]

She was brilliant thank you from the uk

[ruthiecade]

Judo to this little girl 😊It takes alot of courage to get on that stage ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤